יְהֹוִה (ye.ho.vih)
ye.ho.vih
YHWH/God
N:N-M-TQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 83 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N-M-T
Word Overview
The Hebrew term yehovah appears in thirty-five instances, primarily within Isaiah and Jeremiah, where it functions as a specific variation of the divine name YHWH. While the standard form is typically read as Adonai, this particular spelling carries the vowel points of Elohim. This unique combination signals that the text intends to emphasize God’s identity as Creator and Judge rather than solely as Lord or Master.
Historical sources indicate this form arose to prevent the awkward repetition of sounds when YHWH followed immediately after Adonai in speech. By substituting the vowels of Elohim, ancient readers could pronounce the phrase without stumbling over consecutive titles. This linguistic adjustment preserves the reverence for the sacred name while allowing the text to flow naturally during public reading.
The theological weight of this variant lies in its dual reference. It merges the covenantal faithfulness associated with YHWH with the sovereign power implied by Elohim. In passages like Isaiah 3:15, where judgment is pronounced against leaders, this form underscores that the Lord acting as Judge is the same God who established creation. Translators often render it simply as "God" or "Lord God" to capture this blended authority.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name YHWH stands as the central revelation of God’s character in Scripture. It is not merely a title but a declaration of covenant presence. When biblical writers use this specific form, they are reminding us that the Creator who spoke the universe into existence is the same faithful Lord who walks alongside His people through history.
This word bridges the gap between divine power and personal relationship. In moments of uncertainty, like Abram’s question in Genesis 15:8, we can bring our doubts directly to this God. He does not demand perfect certainty before listening; He invites honest conversation with the One who holds all authority.
Knowing that God is both Sovereign Lord and Covenant Keeper offers deep stability. You do not need to carry the weight of the world alone. The same power that established the heavens is committed to your well-being, inviting you to rest in His enduring faithfulness.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 83 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Yahweh84×
- O Yahweh2×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- יְהוִה֙12×
- יְהוִ֔ה12×
- יְהוִ֗ה10×
- יְהוִ֖ה9×
- יְהוִ֑ה8×
- יְהוִ֛ה7×
- יְהוִֽה\׃4×
- יְהוִ֜ה4×
- יְהוִֽה\׃\ \פ2×
- יְהֹוִה֙2×
- יְהֹוִ֣ה2×
- יְהֹוִ֗ה2×
Key Verses
-
Genesis 15:8
He said, “Lord Yahweh, how will I know that I will inherit it?”
Abram uses this address when seeking assurance about inheritance, showing that this form of the name is suitable for honest questions during times of uncertainty.
-
II Samuel 7:22
Therefore you are great, Yahweh God. For there is no one like you, neither is there any God besides you, according to all that we have heard with our ears.
David declares God's uniqueness here, linking the covenantal name with the recognition that no other power compares to His sovereign rule.
-
Psalms 73:28
But it is good for me to come close to God. I have made the Lord Yahweh my refuge, that I may tell of all your works.
The psalmist identifies this Lord as his personal refuge, demonstrating how the divine name serves as a source of safety and trust in daily life.